Connect with us

Technology

Clean up pet hair, crumbs, and more with ease

Published

on

Whether you have kids, a dog, or you like to eat on the go, these are the best car vacuums.

All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers.If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

It doesn’t take much to make a car dirty, even when you have the best of intentions. All it takes are a few spilled crumbs from that Starbucks pastry you ate, some muddy shoes or a coffee spill on your way to work, and before you know it, you need to vacuum cleaner. And that’s before you factor in kids who love spilling their snacks or dogs that shed all over the backseat. 

But the truth is, it’s not that easy to get your car clean. Dust gets into the air vents, dirt gets on the floor and crumbs find their way into … well, everything. That’s why, unless you want to pump quarters into a gas station vacuum only to leave with a half-clean car, you’re going to need a good car vacuum with powerful suction. Which is why we went searching for the best.

When looking for a car vacuum — or a car vac, as some like to call them — here’s what to consider:

  • Suction power: Hands down, the most essential thing to look for in a vacuum. The better the suction, the easier it can pick up all that dirt and debris, the more you’ll use it (and love it).

  • How it is powered: Is it cordless or do you have to plug it in? Can it be charged in your car or does it need a wall outlet?

  • Capacity: For those with pets and kids, look for something that can hold a lot of debris.

  • Weight and size: Can you easily lift and move the vacuum while cleaning your car? Operate it with one hand? Or is it clunky? In most cases, a portable vacuum is ideal.

  • How versatile its attachments are: Does it have a crevice tool? What about a motorized brush?

No one car vacuum is going to be great at everything. For example, a corded vacuum will almost always have more suction power but maneuvering around the car with a cord can quickly get tricky and frustrating. If you opt for a cordless option, you’ll have an easier time moving around, but it can also run out of power before you finish cleaning out your car — especially if you have a large vehicle like a minivan. If you plan to keep the vacuum in the car, you might also want to consider one that you can charge inside the car, instead of plugging it in to charge in your garage or home.

You’ll also want to think about what you’re using it for: Are you getting something small to just tidy up regularly, or are you getting something to do a deep clean? Not only will its suction power and battery matter if you want a deep clean, but its accessories will too. Some car vacuums come with special attachments, like a motorized brush to help get pet hair up or a crevice tool to clean in seat cracks and air vents. Some even come with LED lights to help you see under seats.

There are a lot of options out there and that’s why we’ve scoured the internet and gathered up seven of our favorites to come up with this list of the best car vacuums. 


Lightweight • Easy to Empty • Washable bowl • Pet hair brush • Cordless • Pivoting nozzle

Less suction than some car vacuums • Shorter run-time

With a pivoting nozzle, strong suction, and a 3-stage filtration system that prevents dust and debris from getting out, this is the best all-around vacuum for your car.

When you’re looking for a good car vacuum cleaner, you’ll need to decide what features are more important to you because few vacuums do everything — but this one comes close. It’s lightweight, cordless, and compact, making it easy to use as you maneuver about the car. The suction is decent and, best of all, it features a long hose that allows you to really get any dirt and grime that falls into seat crevices. It also comes with a pet hair brush, making it a great choice for anyone who travels frequently with their dog. 
It’s easy to empty, charges relatively quickly, and — best of all — it does all of this without being as expensive as some of the other car vacuums on this list. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“This little guy is amazing! It is smaller than it looks, and comparable in size to a ‘traditional’ handheld vac. In terms of weight, it’s actually lighter than many traditional handheld models. With the hose locked into position (like in the default product picture), it ‘drives’ very nicely — the center of gravity is basically right under the handle, so it maneuvers very easily without too much effort. I was worried about it being clunky or awkward at first based on its appearance, but it’s actually the most maneuverable handheld vac I’ve ever used. With the hose detached from the handle, you can either hold the hose in one hand and the vacuum unit in the other; or, you can set the latter down next to you. Detaching the hose helps greatly with detail work, and also with cleaning in tight spaces (e.g. the car). The hose is 4 feet long and extremely flexible.”

And he came back to add to his review a year and a half later:

“UPDATE: 1.5 years in, and it’s still going strong! Still every bit as great as the day I bought it. The suction is still very powerful. The filter rinses out easily in the sink, so there are no consumables to pay for. The battery still holds a great charge — I’ve never run out of juice during use. Would recommend highly!!!”


Strong suction • Easy accessory storage • Good capacity • Reasonable price • Wet/dry

Corded • Narrow hose clogs easily

This vacuum is compact and features decent capacity and good accessories.

If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile car vacuum cleaner that won’t break the bank, this one is a pretty good option. It’s the perfect size for a car, with a dedicated spot to store all of its accessories. Speaking of accessories, this auto vacuum comes with a detail brush that is perfect for getting dust out of the dashboard, vents, and any other electrical components, as well as four other accessories.  
It’s also a wet and dry vacuum, meaning it can suck up any wet or damp messes, not just crumbs and dry mud. While it is corded, the cord is 10-feet long to make maneuvering around a little easier. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“I use it to vacuum my cars and it does a GREAT job! For starters, the electrical cord is about 10 feet, which is nice. Though for most applications, you’ll likely still need an extension cord.The suction power is pretty impressive. And it’s not much louder than your normal vacuum. It’s not blaringly loud, but at the same time it’s not whisper quiet. The vacuum hose is adequately long at about 6 feet. Even better, the end of the hose rotates. This makes using it with attachments so much easier as you don’t kink the hose as easily.”


Powerful • Versatile attachments • Relatively quiet • Strong suction • LED lights

Heavier • Stiff retractable hose

Powerful and portable, this vacuum is a great cordless option though it is somewhat heavier and more cumbersome than others on this list.

If you’ve ever vacuumed out a car after a road trip, you’ll appreciate this auto vacuum’s bright LED lights that will help you clean. Not only will you see in dark areas of your car, but it will help with cleaning once the sun starts to go down, like in the winter. It comes with a retractable, 2-foot long hose to help you get into cracks, crevices, and other tight spaces, but it is worth pointing out that some reviewers have noted the hose is a little stiff.
While the vacuum cleaner is a bit heavier and more cumbersome than some handheld options, it more than makes up for that with its strong suction. It also comes with a number of attachments, including a dusting brush, to help you clean in all the tight spaces of your vehicle. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“This vacuum did everything I expected and more. It even collected the small annoying specs that No vacuum ever picks up. Do yourself a favor and buy this vacuum today!”

And reviewer writes:

“Best cordless vac on the market. I have 2 big dogs who go to the beach every day and i’ve tried just about every vacuum on the market. this one is INCREDIBLE!. sucks up more sand and fur from my car than a huge barrel vacuum. one my best purchases ever!”


Lightweight • Cordless • Easy to empty • Powerful • AC charger and car charger

Hold charge for only 30 minutes

This is a versatile and powerful handheld car vacuum that does a good job and you can charge it by plugging it right into your car.

4. Dyson V7 Car+Boat Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Whether it’s dog hair, dried mud, crumbs, or dust, this cordless vacuum is a powerful vacuum you’ll want to use inside the house, too.

  • Power Source:
    Battery. Recharged with 12V Car Charger or AC Charger
  • Weight:
    3.77 pounds
  • Capacity:
    0.15 gallon
Dysons are known for their powerful suction, and this cordless vacuum  is no different, offering 100 air watts of suction power for up to 30 minutes without fading. Plus, since it’s cordless, you can easily maneuver around the car while you’re cleaning without getting tangled up in a cord. 
This handheld vacuum comes with an extension hose, mini motorized tool, and a combination tool, making it pretty versatile. Even better: it comes with two ways to charge it — AC plugin and car 12V charger — meaning you can take it on a road trip and clean as you go without worrying you won’t have a place to plug it in. It’s also easy to empty thanks to a hygienic dirt ejector. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“By far the most powerful vacuum I’ve ever used!! I use it for everything, my truck, boat, my rug, my bed, my recliners, everything. Comes with so many attachments that are good for every situation.”

And reviewer Jon Coyne writes:

“Best cordless handheld vacuum ever. I used this vacuum on my car recently and I was amazed at what it could do. It could get all the hard to reach places, with all the great attachments included. It can even suck up larger items, such as peanuts.”

The biggest downside, of course, is the price but if you don’t mind splurging, this is a great handheld vacuum.


Picks up wet and dry messes • Strong suction • Large capacity • Clear tank so it’s easy to know when to empty • Extra-long hose • Lots of attachments

Pricey • Needs a garage • Hose can be cumbersome when maneuvering between seats

For anyone with a garage, this wet/dry auto vacuum can give your car a pretty thorough clean.

If you have a garage — and that’s where you plan to do all of your vacuuming — then this is probably the best choice for you. This car vacuum can be mounted to your garage wall, saving you some floor space, and thanks to its 32-foot long hose, you won’t have to worry that you won’t be able to reach the car from the wall, even if you have a big garage. 
This BISSELL is also a wet/dry vacuum, which means it will pick up not only those pesky crumbs but also any wet messes, like mud and leaves and milkshakes. (Hey, we don’t judge.) It comes with a 4-gallon dirt tank, meaning that it has plenty of room for you to be able to do a deep clean without needing to stop and empty it. Plus, the tank is semi-translucent, so you’ll be able to easily know when it’s time to empty it. The vacuum also comes with seven different attachments and accessories that can clean up almost any type of mess. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“I wish I had found this years ago. I mounted in my garage and use it all the time. From easy cleanup on woodworking projects picking up saw dust and lighter debris to car detailing. I use this now almost weekly to vacuum my family’s cars. Long hose, good attachments and great suction make this a must have. Mounts easily and isn’t too large. Nice that you can go from wet to dry without having to change anything. Emptying the collection bin is also very easy. 2 clips and its off and ready to dumb in the garbage.”


Inexpensive • Lightweight • Rinsable • Powerful for size

Corded • Can leak • Loud

This handheld vacuum is incredibly powerful for its size and price point.

If you’re looking for a small, relatively inexpensive, no-frills vacuum that will do the trick, then this is the one for you. The filter is rinsable and it features a detachable hose to make it easier to get into cracks and other tight spaces. While it is corded, the cord is 16-feet long, making it easier to move around without getting tangled up. 
writes:

“I normally don’t take the time to write amazon reviews, but I was blown away by how powerful this little vacuum is. It picks everything up no matter what size and very quickly!“

And reviewer writes:

“I’m really happy with this purchase. It does exactly what I need it to, and even comes with all the extra little parts to do things I didn’t expect it could. I will say, it’s incredibly loud for such a small device, but it is a vacuum after all. But yes, for my small bedroom it’s absolutely perfect. No more mess!”


Duster attachment for tight spaces • Easy to empty • Fast & easy charging • Compact • Lightweight

Limited battery life • Small capacity • Loud • Pricey

A solid choice for getting in tight spaces, center consoles and seat gaps but due to limited battery life, not the best choice for large cars or deep spring cleans.

7. Shark WV201 WANDVAC

Small and lightweight, this vacuum is great for zeroing in on the crumbs in tight spaces and for maneuvering around seats.

  • Power Source:
    Battery. Recharged with Charging Dock
  • Weight:
    1.4 pounds
  • Capacity:
    0.08 quarts
If you’re looking for something small, light, and cordless, this vacuum is the one for you. While not exclusively a car vacuum, there’s no denying that its small size, light weight, and two nozzles make it a great choice for zeroing in on the cookie crumbs in your seat cracks or the smashed cheerios your toddler dropped in the backseat. The suction is reportedly very good for a small vacuum, it’s easy to dump after your clean without getting your hands dirty, and you also won’t have to finagle a cord as you maneuver around the seats while you clean. 
This hand vacuum comes with a well-designed charging dock and it charges very quickly — a nice feature that helps offset the inconvenience of a relatively shorter battery life than some of the other vacuums on our list. Still, if you’re planning to do regular deep cleans of your large family van, you might find the battery life a little limiting. 
Amazon reviewer writes:

“Initially, I scoffed at the idea of spending $100 on a souped-up dustbuster, but as long as this unit lasts, it is worth it. I love the fact that this is super light and has excellent suction. I love the attachments. I love the super easy charging station and that it only needs 2.5 hours to fully charge. I love the easy dump one button dirt canister.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement Find your dream job

Trending